An unidentified 26-year-old man is dead after suffering a single gunshot wound in an incident in Streator Saturday night around 8:15. Streator Police say the shooting occurred at a residence in the 1700 block of North Bloomington Street. The victim was treated at the scene and then taken to a hospital where he died. 53-year-old Harold L. Crank of Streator was later charged with Reckless Discharge of a Firearm and was taken to the LaSalle County Jail.
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Ottawa River Rescue assisted Ottawa Fire Department EMS crews in searching and rescuing an unidentified person who had reportedly gone into the Illinois River near Douglas and Buchanan Streets. The body was recovered from the water but could not be revived. Officials say there is no sign of foul play and a forensic autopsy is pending. No identity is being released pending notification of the family.
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A trial is set to begin today for the longtime Chief of Staff of former Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan. Timothy Mapes is charged with lying to a grand jury in the federal probe that led to Madigan’s indictment last year in a racketeering case. Mapes served as Madigan’s chief of staff from 1991 until June 2018, when he was ousted following allegations of harassment.
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Illinois is expanding racial classification categories when reporting statistical data within state agencies. Governor Pritzker signed a house bill that amends the Uniform Racial Classification Act to create a “Middle Eastern or North African category. The amendment will require agencies to include the new category when reporting statistical data on ethnic or racial categories. This requirement will go into effect on July 1st, 2025.
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Illinois is increasing protections for Native Americans in the state. Governor Pritzker signed three bills, including the Human Remains Protection Act, which establishes procedures for encountering human remains or gravesites and returning remains to Native American Nations. The second measure prohibits schools from banning students from wearing cultural regalia as graduation attire, while the third mandates instruction on Native American history in Illinois public schools.
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The 2023 Illinois State Fair kicks off this week. The fair runs from August 10th to the 20th in Springfield. Performers include Alanis Morissette, REO Speedwagon, Alter Bridge, Tim McGraw, Maren Morris, and Nelly with Ashanti & Ja Rule. Meantime, another Lollapalooza is in the books. The annual music festival came to a close last night following a rainy day in Chicago. The final headliners included the Red Hot Chili Peppers and Lana Del Rey.
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Ottawa Police arrested 24-year-old Sadie Kjellsvik of Ottawa Saturday on a charge of retail theft. She posted bond and was released.
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32-year-old Jorge Gonzalez of Marseilles was charged by Ottawa Police on Friday with retail theft, illegal transportation of alcohol, and possession of cannabis. He was released after posting bond.
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A 19-year-old Ottawa man, James A. Scott, was picked up by Ottawa Police Sunday on charges of retail theft and criminal trespass. He posted a bond and was released.
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LaSalle County Sheriff’s Deputies clocked 31-year-old Ryan Carrie of Yorkville driving Saturday night at 75 miles an hour in a 55-speed zone in Adams Township at U.S. 34 and North 46th Roads.
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Early Sunday morning LaSalle County Sheriff’s Deputies charged Antonio Borrego of Peru for operating an uninsured motor vehicle during a traffic stop in Richland Township at Illinois 18 and East 9th Road.
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30-year-old Amy Edelmon of Ottawa was charged early Sunday morning by LaSalle County Sheriff’s Deputies with driving an uninsured vehicle after a traffic stop in Adams Township.
SPORTS:
>>White Sox Strike Late For Series Win Over Guardians
(Cleveland, OH) — The White Sox scored a late knockout and beat down the Guardians 5-3 to claim their series in Cleveland. The Sox trailed 3-2 in the ninth inning until Andrew Benintendi scored on a throwing error to tie the game. Elvis Andrus stepped up and laced a two-run single to give Chicago the lead. Jimmy Lambert came in the bottom half of the frame and notched his first career save to complete the comeback. The White Sox improved to 45-and-68 and are fourth in the AL Central. Dylan Cease starts for the Southsiders against the Yankees tonight.
>>Cubs Defeat Braves to Win Series
(Chicago, IL) — The Cubs downed the Atlanta Braves 6-4 to win their three-game set at Wrigley Field. Ian Happ and Dansby Swanson each drove in a pair of runs, while Cody Bellinger went two-for-three with two runs scored. Cubs starter Justin Steele earned his 13th win after striking out seven through five-and-a-third innings. Adbert Alzolay locked down the ninth to notch his 14th save. The Cubs have won five of six to improve to 58-and-54. Chicago is just a game-and-a-half behind Milwaukee in the NL Central race. Drew Smyly takes the mound for the Cubs against the Mets tonight.
>>Bears Add TE Lewis
(Lake Forest, IL) — The Bears aren’t done adding to their roster. The team signed veteran tight end Marcedes Lewis to a one-year deal on Friday. The 39-year-old has been in the NFL since 2006, and he’s spent the last five seasons with the Packers, primarily as a blocker. In 17 games with Green Bay last year, Lewis caught six passes for 66 yards and two touchdowns. The Bears continue training camp today.